2026 Audi S3 Sportback Review, Specs, Interior
2026 Audi S3 Sportback Review, Specs, Interior – Audi totally revamped the chassis and motor of the 2026 Audi S3 Sportback in response to criticism that the sporty hatchback was a bit too dull. The 2.0-liter four-cylinder turbocharged engine now produces 328 horsepower after boosting by 22 horsepower. Audi has been putting a lot of effort into making the engine more responsive and charismatic in addition to extracting more power.
When you select the new Dynamic Plus mode, the engine idles at a higher rpm, and when you press the pedal, the turbocharger’s new pre-load function temporarily opens the throttle valve. The only goals of these two modifications are to speed up reaction times and increase the thrill of operating the 2026 Audi S3 Sportback. For a hefty £4,125 premium, Audi is also selling a new Akrapovic sports exhaust system. It looks prettier and makes more noise thanks to its redesigned bumper housings. 2026 Audi S3 Sportback Review
Table of Contents
2026 Audi S3 Sportback Redesign and Update Plan
Exterior & Interior
Because it provides the engine a distinctive sound, the pricey optional Sports Exhaust system on our test cars is also a nice addition. The vehicle’s sound augmentation is also more realistic and might possibly bring back memories of the Subaru Impreza, a saloon rally car that gained popularity in the middle of the 1990s.
The chassis is still the most important component, even though the powerplant has undoubtedly improved. Instead of the over-sprung TDI that the previous generation implied, the S3 looks like a baby RS model thanks to the suspension’s amazing balance of suppleness and body control. The steering is more precise and positive, and the front axle can provide more grip thanks to the more aggressive front suspension.
The rear differential, which is adjusted differently than those in the Golf R and RS 3, counteracts this. The S3’s diff is made to assist the nose in turning into a corner rather than striving for more overt oversteer. We’ve been informed that this is the reason the S3’s sportier siblings don’t have a Drift mode. Because of this, it seems less garish than the RS 3 and more realistic than the Golf R.
The S3’s more expressive look, opulent interior, and decent amounts of room and usefulness make it a major participant in the market for high-end hot hatchbacks. The 2026 Audi S3 Sportback, in our opinion, is now more potent and advanced than the awful BMW M135i and the fake Mercedes-AMG A 35.
2026 Audi S3 Sportback Specs
Engine & Performance
The same seven-speed dual-clutch transmission and Haldex-style all-wheel drive system provide power, but the upgrade adds a torque-vectoring differential dubbed the Torque Splitter, which is similar to what’s found in a VW Golf R or RS 3.
Additionally, Audi has been experimenting with the MacPherson-strut front suspension, which has stronger arm bearings, aggressive geometry, and higher negative camber. In contrast to the Golf R’s completely changeable dampers, Audi has incorporated its own adaptive dampers and improved the front and rear springs and dampers.
Naturally, these changes complement the mid-life enhancements offered to the other Audi A3 models. Outside, there are new wheel designs, new color possibilities, and more aggressive stylistic features. Better materials and additional personalization options, such a true carbon fiber dash, are among the interior improvements.
The primary selling feature of the new 2026 Audi S3 Sportback is its driving experience, which is, in brief, notably superior to that of previous versions. When you drive down a difficult route, the Audi truly feels like a well-maintained hot hatchback with authentic chassis and motor performance.
The engine is much more responsive and seems to have a lot of power from low rpm when in Dynamic Plus mode. This is due to the new turbo trickery and the more aggressive throttle and gearbox settings. Although it lacks the glitz of a contemporary Mercedes-AMG A 35, the gearbox responds to paddle inputs more efficiently and the DSG shifts more quickly and violently than it used to.
The bigger brakes provide a decent pedal feel and are rather robust. Along our challenging test route, they had no trouble continuously wiping off speed. However, a minor vibration was felt through the pedal when descending at high speed on a part of the derestricted autobahn. 2026 Audi S3 Sportback Review
2026 Audi S3 Sportback Release Date & Price
Compared to its less expensive rivals, it seems more settled than the VW Golf R, which is absent from its most recent Mk8 version, and is more refined and adjusted than the Cupra Leon 300. Even while the Honda Civic Type R and Toyota GR Yaris are both more focused and, thus, more fun to drive, the more badge-conscious Audi consumer is unlikely to cross-shop for either vehicle. 2026 Audi S3 Sportback Review
Conclusion
The 2026 Audi S3 Sportback is far more interesting than the previous version, which was merely a boring family hatchback with a little punch, based on consumer feedback. Furthermore, the RS 3’s somewhat more powerful engine and ingenious rear differential do not fully account for the issue. In addition to being quick and enjoyable to drive, the new 2026 Audi S3 Sportback also has some lately discovered charm.
Note: The details included in this blog post are derived from pre-release material that was accessible when the article was written. If you want the latest information, you should check official sources or call your nearest dealership.
